Package carrier

ABSTRACT

The package carrier comprises a base means for receiving more than one package and a handle means adapted to extend in a direction away from the base means. The base means extends in opposite directions from the handle means so that at least one package may be disposed on each side of the handle means. Additional package support means extend upwardly from the base means to support packages placed thereon. The upwardly extending support means provides support for the packages at a location laterally displaced from the handle means.

United States Patent 1191 Newell PACKAGE CARRIER [76] Inventor: E. Strohm Newell, 2350 Sixth Ave.,

San Diego, Calif. 92101 [22] .Filed: Apr. 20, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 246,055

[52] US. Cl. 224/48 D, 224/45 R [51] Int. Cl A47g 23/06 [58] Field of Search... 224/45 R, 45 H, 45 W, 48 D, 224/48 R, 50, 45 N, 45 F [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,208,020 12/1916 Ross 224/48 3,124,254 3/1964 Davidson 224/48 3,167,211 1/1965 McCormick 224 45 11 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 29,468 9/1910 Sweden 224/48 1) 1451 Aug. 20, 1974 481,795 3/1952 Canada 224/48 D Primary ExaminerRobert J. Spar Assistant Examiner-Kenneth Noland Attorney, Agent, or FirmMarkva & Smith [5 7 ABSTRACT The package carrier comprises a base means for receiving more than one package and a handle means adapted to extend in a direction away from the base means. The base means extends in opposite directions from the handle means so that at least one package may be disposed on each side of the handle means. Additional package support means extend upwardly from the base means to support packages placed thereon. The upwardly extending support means provides support for the packages at a location laterally displaced from the handle means.

7 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION When shopping for a large number of small articles such as groceries, the articles are placed in a large bag. Such filled bags are generally heavy, bulky and, therefore, are difficult to handle under most situations. When there is more than one large bag of articles, considerable difficulties are generally faced in getting the bags home. For example, when the grocery bags are placed in an automobile, they generally fall over when the vehicle is moving. Additionally, it is not easy to carry more than one bag and virtually impossible to carry more than two bags at a time when the bags are filled with a plurality of articles such as groceries. Furthermore, every time a person must go through a door, such as when entering a building or getting into an elevator, at least one of the bags, possibly more than one, must be set down and picked up again.

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION The primary object of this invention is to provide a package carrier which is adapted to receive more than one package, may be carried by one hand, and further retains the packages when placed on a flat surface.

Another object of this invention is to provide a carrier for two filled grocery bags which is simple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture, and provides a simple solution to problems associated with the transportation of grocery bags.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The package carrier as disclosed herein comprises a base means for receiving more than one package. A handle means is adapted to extend in a direction away from the base means. The base means includes a frame member extending in opposite directions from the handle mechanism so that at least one package may be disposed on each side of the handle. The base means is non-collapsible and provides a sturdy support for a plurality of packages. Means extending upwardly from the base portion support the packages at a location laterally displaced from the handle mechanism.

In a specific embodiment of the carrier, the base portion has sufficient size to receive two filled grocery bags. The upwardly extending means includes a first and second support means comprised of single pieces of strap metal. Each end of the strap metal pieces is pivotally attached on opposite sides of the base portions and at a distal point along the opposite directions from the handle mechanism. The handle mechanism includes a single handle piece of strap metal with each end being detachably connected to opposite sides of the base portion. One of the support pieces is pivotally attached at a fixed location with respect to the handle piece. The other support piece is pivotally attached at a movable location with respect to the handle piece. The pivotal construction as described hereinabove enables the upwardly extending support mechanism and the handle mechanism to be foldable with respect to the base portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Other objects of this invention will appear in the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package carrier made in accordance with this invention showing filled grocery bags disposed therein,

' FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the carrier of FIG. 2, and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a package carrier made in accordance with this invention and shown partially folded.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT More specifically, the package carrier, generally designated 10, includes a base portion having a size sufficient to receiive two filled grocery bags. The base portion 11 extends rigidly in a fixed plane as shown and includes a rectangular frame 12 and bottom support members 13 which extend between opposite sides of the frame 12. The frame 12 is noncollapsible and the members 13 provide bottom support to the grocery bags placed thereon.

Handle portions 15 and 16 extend in a direction normal to the base portion 11. The base portion 1 1 extends in opposite directions from the handle portions 15 and 16 so that at least one package may be disposed on each side of the handle means. A gripping member 17 extends across the entire width of the base portion 11. When the carrier 10 is lifted, the force is spread across the entire length of the gripping member 17. Therefore all of the lifting force is being applied up and down the normally disposed handle portions 15 and 16. In this specific embodiment, the handle is constructed of a single handle piece of strap metal. The gripping member 17 is a tube section located at the center of the handle plece.

Hook-shaped slots 28 are located at each end of the handle portions 15 and 16. The slots have a size sufficient to fit over a bearing support member 14 that extends between opposite sides of the frame 12. The slot configuration enables the handle mechanism to be detachably connected to the base portion 11. In this specific embodiment, the bearing support member 14 is a solid rod construction. The slot configuration together with the rod member 14 provides a simple and extremely strong construction for lifting grocery bags placed on the base portion 11.

Support pieces 18 and 22 constitute an upwardly extending means which provide support at a location laterally displaced from the handle mechanism. Lateral support portions 19 and 23 are located a spaced distance upwardly from the base portion 11. Support piece 18 is pivotally attached at one end thereof to the base portion 11 at a location along one of the opposite directions from the handle mechanism. As disclosed herein, the support pieces 18 and 22 each extend its pivotal connection on the base portion 11 from one side of the handle portions 15 and 16 to a point above the distal ends of the base portion 11 on the other side of the handle portions 15 and 16. In this specific embodiment, the support piece is pivotally attached at points 20 and 21 to the end of the base frame 12. The support piece 22 is pivotally attached at points 24 and 25 at the other end of the frame 12.

In this specific embodiment, the support pieces 18 and 22 are composed of separate single pieces of strap metal with each end being pivotally attached at a distal point at opposite sides of the base portion 11. The support piece 22 is pivotally attached at a fixed pivot point 26 with respect to the handle members and 16. The support piece 18 includes a slot 27, in which the pivot point 26 moves with respect to the support piece 18. In this instance, the support piece 18 is pivotally attached at a movable location with respect to the handle portions 15 and'16.

The package carrier as set forth herein is extremely simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The pieces of strap metal such as steel can be bent and riveted in place using well known techniques. There is absolutely no special tooling that is necessary to manufacture the carrier of this invention. The folding configuration is also very simple and sturdy. The vertical forces are directed along the center handle portions 15 and 16 as well as along the upwardly extending pieces 18 and 22. The handle mechanism is firmly locked in place by virtue of the strong bearing rod member 14 which is disposed within the slot configurations 28.

To collapse the package carrier, it is simply necessary to push downwardly on the handle member 17. Movement is in direction A so that the bearing support member 14 becomes disengaged from the slots 28. This is an unlocking operation. Conversely, once the center handle member is locked in place, the two outside support members 18 and 22 are also locked in place. The handle member folds in direction B while the support members 18 and 22 fold downwardly in directions C.

To restore the carrier to an upright position, the handle portions 15 and 16 will bear against the support member 14. The handle will then be pivoted upwardly about the place where the handle members 15 and 16 .bear against the support member 14. This structure,

therefore, facilitates the placement of the members 18 and 22 man upright position as well as the handle portions 15 and 16. There may be other structures associated with the base portion that could act as bearing members for the handle means during the upwardly and downwardly folding operations.

The folding characteristics of this package carrier enable it to be stored very easily and makes it extremely useful in the trunk of an automobile. Four bags of groceries may very easily be carried by one person who is using two of the devices made in accordance with this invention.

While the package carrier has been shown and described in detail, it is obvious that this invention is not to be considered as being limited to the exact form disclosed, and that changes in detail and construction may be made therein within the scope of the invention, without departing from the spirit thereof.

What I claim is:

l. A package carrier comprising:

a. base means for receiving more than one package,

b. handle means including a single handle piece of strap metal with each end thereof being attachable on opposite sides of the base means,

c. said base means extending in opposite directions from the handle means so that at least one package may be disposed on each side of the handle means, and

d. means extending upwardly from the base means for supporting packages placed on the base means,

c. said upwardly extending means including a first and second support piece of strap metal with each end thereof being pivotally attached at a distal point along said opposite direction from the handle means and on opposite sides of the base means,

f. one of the support pieces being pivotally attached at a fixed location with respect to the handle piece and the other support piece being pivotally attached at a movable location with respect to the handle piece.

2. A package carrier as defined in claim 1 wherein said handle means includes a gripping member located at the center of the handle piece and extending along the entire width of the base means.

3. A package carrier as defined in claim 1 wherein said base means includes a frame member and a bearing support member which extends between the opposite sides of the frame member,

said bearing support member being located equidistant from the distal ends of the frame member to which distal ends of said support pieces are attached,

said handle piece ends being detachably connected to said bearing support member.

4. A package carrier as defined in claim 1 wherein the handle means is normally disposed with respect to the base member and includes a gripping member located at the distal ends thereof,

said gripping member extends the entire width across the base means between the normally disposed portions of thehandle piece of strap metal.

5. A package carrier comprising:

a. a non-collapsible base means for receiving more than one package, b. handle means including handle support members detachably connected at their ends thereof to each of opposite sides of the base member to extend in a direction normal to the base means,

c. said base means extending in opposite directions from the handle means so that at least one package may be disposed on each side of the handle means, and

d. means extending upwardly from the base means for supporting packages placed on the base means,

g. said first and second support means each extending from its pivotal connection on the base means from one side of the handle means to a point above the distal end of the base means at the other side of the handle means.

6. A package carrier comprising:

a. base means for receiving more than one package,

b. handle means adapted to extend in a direction away from the base means,

0. said base means extending in opposite directions from the handle means so that at least one package may be disposed on each side of the handle means, and

d. means extending upwardly from the base means for supporting packages placed on the base means,

e. said upwardly extending means including a first support means pivotally attached at one end thereof to the base means at a location along one of said opposite directions from the handle means and a second support means pivotally attached at one end thereof tothe base means at a location along the other of said opposite directions,

f. said first and second support means are each composed of a single piece of strap metal,

g. each end of the strap metal is pivotally attached at a distal point from the handle means and on opposite sides of the base means,

h. said first and second support means being extendible from their respective pivotal connections on the base means from one side of the handle means to a point above the distal end of the base means on the other side of the handle means.

7. A package carrier comprising:

al a base means for receiving more than one package,

b. a handle means adapted to extend in a direction away from the base means,

c. said base means extending in opposite directions from the handle means so that at least one package may be disposed on each side of the handle means, and

d. means extending upwardly from the base means for supporting packages placed on the base means,

e. said upwardly extending means including a first support means pivotally attached at one end thereof to the base means at a location along one of said opposite directions from the handle means and a second support means pivotally attached at one end thereof to the base means at a location along the other of said opposite directions,

f. said first and second support means being pivotally connected with respect to each other and the handle means,

g. said first and second support means each extending from its pivotal connection on the base means from one side of the handle means to a point above the distal end of the base means on the other side of the handle means. 

1. A package carrier comprising: a. base means for receiving more than one package, b. handle means including a single handle piece of strap metal with each end thereof being attachable on opposite sides of the base means, c. said base means extending in opposite directions from the handle means so that at least one package may be disposed on each side of the handle means, and d. means extending upwardly from the base means for supporting packages placed on the base means, e. said upwardly extending means including a first and second support piece of strap metal with each end thereof being pivotally attached at a distal point along said opposite direction from the handle means and on opposite sides of the base means, f. one of the support pieces being pivotally attached at a fixed location with respect to the handle piece and the other support piece being pivotally attached at a movable location with respect to the handle piece.
 2. A package carrier as defined in claim 1 wherein said handle means includes a gripping member located at the center of the handle piece and extending along the entire width of the base means.
 3. A package carrier as defined in claim 1 wherein said base means includes a frame member and a bearing support member which extends between the opposite sides of the frame member, said bearing support member being located equidistant from the distal ends of the frame member to which distal ends of said support pieces are attached, said handle piece ends being detachably connected to said bearing support member.
 4. A package carrier as defined in claim 1 wherein the handle means is normally disposed with respect to the base member and includes a gripping member located at the distal enDs thereof, said gripping member extends the entire width across the base means between the normally disposed portions of the handle piece of strap metal.
 5. A package carrier comprising: a. a non-collapsible base means for receiving more than one package, b. handle means including handle support members detachably connected at their ends thereof to each of opposite sides of the base member to extend in a direction normal to the base means, c. said base means extending in opposite directions from the handle means so that at least one package may be disposed on each side of the handle means, and d. means extending upwardly from the base means for supporting packages placed on the base means, e. said upwardly extending means including a first support means pivotally attached at one end thereof to the base means at a location along one of said opposite directions from the handle means and a second support means pivotally attached at one end thereof to the base means at a location along the other of said opposite directions, f. said first and second support means including a lateral supporting portion that extends across the width of the base means, g. said first and second support means each extending from its pivotal connection on the base means from one side of the handle means to a point above the distal end of the base means at the other side of the handle means.
 6. A package carrier comprising: a. base means for receiving more than one package, b. handle means adapted to extend in a direction away from the base means, c. said base means extending in opposite directions from the handle means so that at least one package may be disposed on each side of the handle means, and d. means extending upwardly from the base means for supporting packages placed on the base means, e. said upwardly extending means including a first support means pivotally attached at one end thereof to the base means at a location along one of said opposite directions from the handle means and a second support means pivotally attached at one end thereof to the base means at a location along the other of said opposite directions, f. said first and second support means are each composed of a single piece of strap metal, g. each end of the strap metal is pivotally attached at a distal point from the handle means and on opposite sides of the base means, h. said first and second support means being extendible from their respective pivotal connections on the base means from one side of the handle means to a point above the distal end of the base means on the other side of the handle means.
 7. A package carrier comprising: a. a base means for receiving more than one package, b. a handle means adapted to extend in a direction away from the base means, c. said base means extending in opposite directions from the handle means so that at least one package may be disposed on each side of the handle means, and d. means extending upwardly from the base means for supporting packages placed on the base means, e. said upwardly extending means including a first support means pivotally attached at one end thereof to the base means at a location along one of said opposite directions from the handle means and a second support means pivotally attached at one end thereof to the base means at a location along the other of said opposite directions, f. said first and second support means being pivotally connected with respect to each other and the handle means, g. said first and second support means each extending from its pivotal connection on the base means from one side of the handle means to a point above the distal end of the base means on the other side of the handle means. 